West San Gabriel River Trail

The San Gabriel River Trail, especially as it connects with El Dorado East Regional Park, offers a fantastic escape for joggers in Lakewood. This 5.7-mile (9.1 km) loop is mostly paved and famously "bone flat," with only 33 feet (10 metres) of elevation gain, making it a moderate and accessible option for nearly everyone. You'll enjoy a mix of open grassy fields, tree-lined paths, and the tranquil lakes within El Dorado East Regional Park, providing a refreshing change of scenery from the surrounding urban environment.

Planning your visit is straightforward, with El Dorado East Regional Park serving as a convenient starting point. The park provides essential amenities like restrooms, drinking water, and picnic areas, along with ample parking. While the trail is generally safe, jogging during daylight hours and with a companion is always a good idea. This route is enjoyable throughout the year, but consider an early morning or late afternoon start to beat the heat during summer.

This trail stands out for its excellent accessibility and connectivity, linking to other significant park areas and trails like the Coyote Creek Trail. Despite its urban setting, the park's lakes and riparian vegetation along the river offer opportunities for wildlife spotting, adding a touch of nature to your run. It's a popular multi-use path, so you'll share it with cyclists and other pedestrians, creating a vibrant community atmosphere.

This popular jogging route offers a delightful blend of urban and natural landscapes, perfect for a sustained run near Long Beach City College. You'll trace the paved San Gabriel River Trail, enjoying views of the Los Alamitos Channel, before immersing yourself in the lush greenery and tranquil lakes, like Horseshoe Lake, within El Dorado East Regional Park. Keep an eye out for various bird species, ducks, geese, and turtles around the water bodies, adding a touch of wildlife to your 7.8-mile (12.6 km) journey.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as the trail is predominantly flat and paved, making it accessible for most runners. The route is considered moderate due to its length, taking approximately 1 hour and 17 minutes to complete, with a minimal 44 feet (13 metres) of elevation gain. Access points to the San Gabriel River Trail are convenient from the Long Beach City College area, and the trail features mile markers for easy navigation.

The San Gabriel River Trail is a significant multi-use path, connecting various parks and communities, and seamlessly links with the El Dorado Park bike path. This connectivity allows for a diverse jogging experience, combining the linear river trail with the varied amenities of the regional park, which also boasts a nature center and picnic facilities. It's an excellent option for those seeking a longer, uninterrupted run in the Long Beach area.